If choosing a dress for yourself wasn’t tricky enough, now you have to choose bridesmaids dresses that are universally flattering, in shades and styles that all your gal pals love, to complement your attire and any wedding colours, and possibly without even having them nearby to try on. Wow… whoever thought bridesmaids dresses were a good idea?
Of course, the modern wedding party doesn’t just include bridesmaids and groomsmen either, you may be dressing bridesmen, groomsgirls, flower-people, possibly helping with Mother(s) of the Bride outfits too. Where do you begin?
Choosing Bridesmaid’s Dresses – Where to Start
- Uniformity, Mismatched or Choose-Your-Own Bridesmaids Dresses?
- Colour Palette: Pastels, Neutrals, Monochrome or Patterned?
- Are you buying the dresses for the girls to keep? If so, what’s your budget?
The first decision in choosing attire for your bridesmaids, and wedding party in general, is to consider whether you wish to have ‘uniformity’, or if you’d like to have a mis-matched bridesmaids dresses, or even letting them choose their own dress.
Do you have a particular vision for matching dresses, or will it be easier to dress quite different shapes of women by choosing a colour palette, general style or other? Pinterest may just be your friend here, search mismatched bridesmaids dresses to find beautiful, modern inspiration. This Nouba featured wedding of Steph & Callum showcases stunning mismatched bridesmaids who wore mismatched Hansen and Gretel dresses in lilac and yellow hues, tailored to fit each of their personal styles. “I wanted them to all feel comfortable and have their own style but still work together,” explains Steph.
The last thing you want is your bridesmaids feeling uncomfortable in front of a large group of people, so whatever you opt for, consider how your friends will feel in whatever you (or they) choose. Bridesmaid outfit etiquette is much more relaxed than it used to be, modern brides are looking outside the box when it comes to finding dresses for their bridal parties, seeking non-traditional brands for elegant, unexpected looks that can be worn long after the bouquet toss. For the 2022/23 wedding season, even separates and pants are coming into the mix, and styles and colours are often varied.
Once you’ve decided whether to have uniformity or a little variety, consider colours, or a colour palette. Black bridesmaids dresses are certainly having a moment, and are easy to match if you are opting for different styles.
Next comes affordability, especially if you are purchasing the bridesmaids dresses, and gifting them to your friends to keep. Though traditionally, bridesmaids would purchase their own dresses, our etiquette guide suggests that unless they get to choose their own, the couple should probably cover the cost. If you are buying the dresses, consider your budget – although it’s possible to spend thousands on your wedding party attire, it is not necessary to do so – New Zealand has beautiful options for unique, high quality dresses at affordable prices… “The best thing is, you can shorten it and wear it again!” (27 dresses)
Hire Juliette Hogan via Designer Wardrobe
New Zealand designer Juliette Hogan’s bridesmaid collection is now available to hire exclusively through Designer Wardrobe. Reflecting the simplicity and luxury synonymous with Juliette Hogan, our Bridesmaid collection is a pared back offering, perfect for the bridesmaid looking for a dress that both elevates and resonates seamlessly with her modern everyday-luxe aesthetic. Of course, it’s also an eco-friendly wedding choice, and there’s no need to worry about whether the bridesmaids will wear it again!
Choose from a considered palette of custom shades in four tonal groups + classic and enduring black. Your colour choice can create both cohesion and interest, while still offering your bridesmaids the best colour and shape to suit their individual style and skin-tone.
All the while also ticks all the boxes… New Zealand made, supporting self-employed seamstresses and local suppliers, with a design philosophy centred around creating elegant, timeless, classic designs that stand the test of time. Blurring the lines between lounge, evening and daywear, while focusing on bridal and pre-wedding styles. All the while dresses are delicate and intimate, with relaxed bridal options and perfect bridesmaids dress styles. They only produce and make what is ordered, so every dress is especially for you.
Best known for their signature wrap bridesmaids dress (an affordable $169), Evolution have really made their mark dressing New Zealand bridesmaids since 2005. Miranda and her design team curated a unique, classic and fashion forward selection of beautiful bridesmaid dresses that are made to order for the brides special day, with the clear desire for the collections to be re-worn and not hidden away in the back of a closet after the event. Based in Auckland, they also offer virtual viewings.
For over a decade, Blak has dominated in the realm of bridesmaids dresses in New Zealand. They have a range of affordable, beautiful dresses in a generous range of styles and colour palettes – or they can even colour match to a custom colour. To assist with try-ons, Blak offers an at-home try on service – four dresses are delivered to your door for you to try at home, or even send the dresses onto your bridesmaids for their thoughts and opinions.
Forever New’s latest collection of bridesmaid dresses designed with a fresh range of spring colours and flattering silhouettes, perfect for summer. Complement the bride with one of the wide array of styles and colours – elegant wrap front dresses, romantic lace bodice gowns and modern one-shoulder styles. Forever New is not a New Zealand owned company (it is founded in Melbourne), but its presence nationwide (and in Australia) makes shopping for bridesmaids dresses pretty simple.
Leave Her Wilder specialises in mismatched dresses which complement, but aren’t matchy-matchy, “because no two girls are the same”. Of her chocolate-hued bridesmaids, Samantha said “The girls told me how happy they were to have bridesmaid dresses that felt so nice to wear and they were really comfortable throughout the day and night. They all said it would be a dress they would wear again which was really great to hear as I wanted to give the girls a beautiful dress that they would want to wear again.”
LHW has beautiful boho, relaxed silhouettes, that will be certain to be worn again. Their fabric is 100% natural, hand dyed and available in either a matte or sheen finish, and they’ll even make matching pocket squares for the groomsmen.
Amber Whitecliffe Bridesmaids Dresses
Blissful, laid-back, modern bridesmaid dresses at affordable prices. AW has nailed the art of the wrap dress and offers a range of other styles that have proven to work for many body types (including some great ‘full coverage’ options as well as slips and wraps on the daintier side). Soft floating skirts and subtle feminine details present a relaxed and timeless beauty that will have your maids beaming.
Baby’s Breath Bridesmaids Dresses
The embodiment of bridesmaids dresses – soft, floaty and feminine; Baby’s Breath Bridesmaids is your one stop shop. Their extensive range of styles and colours are sure to fit all of your requirements. They pride themselves on bridesmaids dress fits to favour and flatter all sizes and accentuate curves in the right places. They also offer a try at home service – pick four styles and they’ll send your picks direct to you.
Forever New’s latest collection of bridesmaid dresses designed with a fresh range of spring colours and flattering silhouettes, perfect for summer. Complement the bride with one of the wide array of styles and colours – elegant wrap front dresses, romantic lace bodice gowns and modern one-shoulder styles. Forever New is not a New Zealand owned company (it is founded in Melbourne), but its presence nationwide (and in Australia) makes shopping for bridesmaids dresses pretty simple.
If you’re looking for bridesmaids dresses, you may also be interested in bridesmaids gifts – discover Something Blue‘s range of bridesmaid gift boxes, bridal robes and more.
